Vans Kids' Brooklyn LS

By Vans

9.1Excellent matchFeature and use-case score

The Brooklyn LS brings Vans' classic skate-shoe styling - suede/canvas upper, Sidestripe, waffle outsole - to a kids' lace-up sneaker; here's what the specs support and where independent testing is missing.

Suede and canvas upper
Signature Vans Sidestripe detailing
Padded collar and tongue

See Price at the store →Price, delivery, and configuration can change at the retailer.

ByTopFiveFind Research Desk

How this was made: AI-assisted research and drafting organize the evidence. Exact product identity, source claims, owner-feedback patterns, conflicts, and publication checks are documented before indexing. No hands-on or human-expert testing is claimed unless a page explicitly shows that evidence. Read the full methodology.

Best fitBest Compact

CategoryBoys' Shoes

BrandVans

Catalog score9.1 / 10

Product overview

Classic Vans Styling for Kids - What We Could and Couldn't Confirm

Retailer product descriptions (Amazon, Kohl's, Shoe City) describe the Brooklyn LS as having a suede and canvas upper, the signature Vans Sidestripe, a padded collar and tongue, vulcanized construction, and a rubber waffle outsole. It's styled as a middle ground between Vans' Ward, Old Skool, and skate-shoe lines rather than a new original silhouette.

On evidence quality, we're being direct: we did not find an independent lab test or in-depth hands-on review of the Brooklyn LS specifically. Everything we found is retailer/product-page description rather than aggregated customer reviews or third-party testing, so real-world durability and sizing feedback for this exact model is thin.

Closure varies by size in this line: the big-kid/youth version (the size range this ASIN falls in) uses a lace-up closure, while Vans' toddler versions of the Brooklyn line typically use hook-and-loop straps instead - worth checking if you're shopping across sizes for siblings.

The vulcanized rubber-sole build is Vans' standard construction method across its skate-shoe lineup, generally associated with flexibility and grip on flat surfaces, consistent with the brand's skate heritage - though we can't cite independent grip/durability data specific to this model.

Because we could not find aggregated Amazon- or Zappos-style buyer reviews specific to the Brooklyn LS, sizing consistency and long-term durability claims should be checked against the live product listing's own buyer reviews before purchase, rather than assumed from Vans' general reputation.

Key Listed Features

Suede and canvas upper

Signature Vans Sidestripe detailing

Padded collar and tongue

Vulcanized rubber-sole construction

Rubber waffle outsole for grip

Good fit for

Good for parents wanting classic Vans skate-shoe styling in a kids' lace-up sneaker.
Works for everyday, casual wear - it's not marketed as a performance athletic or running shoe.
Check the closure type for your size - big kids get laces, toddlers typically get hook-and-loop straps in this line.

Check before buying

No aggregated independent reviews were found for this specific model - check the live Amazon listing's own buyer reviews before ordering.
Confirm the size 12 / Suede-Canvas Black-White combo is in stock, since Vans sells this style across many sizes and colorways.
Vulcanized-sole Vans shoes are typically less cushioned than running shoes - consider whether that fits your child's use case.
Check the size chart carefully, since lace-up youth sizing can run differently than toddler hook-and-loop sizing in the same line.

Research sources

Buying questions

Quick Answers

Is the Brooklyn LS a skate shoe or an everyday sneaker?

It's styled after Vans' skate-shoe lineup (Sidestripe, waffle outsole, vulcanized build) but is sold and positioned as an everyday casual shoe for kids.

Does it lace up or use hook-and-loop straps?

The lace-up version reviewed here is the youth/big-kid style; Vans' toddler versions of the Brooklyn line typically use hook-and-loop straps instead.

Is there independent testing on this shoe?

We did not find an independent hands-on review or lab test specific to the Brooklyn LS; the available information comes from retailer product descriptions.

What is the outsole made of?

A rubber waffle outsole, consistent with Vans' classic skate-shoe construction, per retailer product listings.

Is it good for sports or running?

No - it's a casual lace-up sneaker in Vans' skate-heritage style, not designed or marketed as a performance running or training shoe.